BIO
I have lived my entire “adult” life in a college dormitory working in both Residence Life and college chaplaincy. I like the term “dormitory” better than “residence hall.” I went to school for a long time so that now I get to swoop around in a fancy robe and silly hat (like at Hogwarts). I am currently pursuing an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts (a place like Hogwarts). I play both the viola and tennis with more heart than skill. I love my current home in Boston but will always be a Pennsylvanian at heart.

EXPERIENCE
I almost have an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults (July, baby!) I also have an M.Div. and a PhD in Theology (because hooray graduate school!). I recently received the PEN New England Susan P. Bloom Discovery Award for my book that will be published in spring of 2018.

OVERVIEW

Send me funny books! Lacking in death and destruction! Or if there is death and destruction, I hope things turn out all right in the end. If your book contains the male gaze, it should be done well. If it contains the female gaze, you can do whatever you want. Rock on, sister friend. Kissing is good. As long as it’s consensual. I don’t care who is kissing whom. I’m not one hundred percent I know how to use who and whom correctly. If you need that, I’ll look it up. I like bad ass, sarcastic girls, heart of gold strictly optional. Underdogs given preference. I was rejected so many times (until I wasn’t), and I query like a boss. I will share my query/synopsis skills with you. I’m nothing if not filled with opinions. I will champion your work. Let’s be friends.

I’m best at contemporary realistic young adult, but could probably help with anything funny. I also have a lot of theological education, should that be useful.

MENTORING STYLE

I will do an overall letter, as well as comments and suggested changes in the margins

IDEAL MENTEE
Someone with a sense of humor, who is open to change but will stick up for their ideas.